DANNY Boyle has been announced as a Patron of HOME, 'the new cultural hub and social space' for Manchester, opening in Spring 2015.
We’re not going to lead the industrial world anymore and that world now looks to us for our arts and culture
HOME aims to produce and present an ambitious programme of contemporary visual art, theatre and film.
Filmmaker and architect of Britain’s spectacular Olympics opening ceremony, Danny Boyle is proud of his Northern roots, and has been a Patron of Cornerhouse since 1986. Cornerhouse, together with the Library Theatre Company, have merged to form HOME.
“To have this wonderful expansion of arts facilities outside London, especially at a time of sustained pressure on arts funding, is such a shock. But it's what you would expect from a visionary city. HOME will stand as a compliment to the vision of the arts institutions in Manchester and of Manchester City Council. Their faith in the power of the arts to transform lives and the economy is impossible not to support,” said Boyle in full complimentary mode.
“We’re not going to lead the industrial world anymore and that world now looks to us for our arts and culture," Boyle continued. "The world is inspired by our creativity and one effect of that can be an extraordinary economic benefit. What Manchester (might) be known for in twenty years could be film or theatre. HOME ensures that the next generation has a facility in which they can express themselves.”
The new purpose-built centre has been designed by Dutch architects Mecanoo and built by Wates Construction, and features a 500-seat theatre; a 150-seat flexible theatre; a 500m2, 4m high gallery space; five cinema screens; digital production and broadcast facilities; a café bar and restaurant.
Manchester City Council has committed £19 million to fund the creation of HOME. The overall budget for the project is £25 million, with the remaining £6 million being met by a combination of the Arts Council England funding and fundraising. £250,000 has already been contributed by the Garfield Weston Foundation. HOME is predicted to receive more than 500,000 visits per year.
It's hoped that the new arts centre will encourage other developments at First Street North, the first phase of the £500m First Street regeneration project that covers 20 acres.
Home - the CGI
